March 17, 2008

By Staci Schottman, NAIA Director of Public Relations and Communications, sschottman@naia.org

Carroll College (Mont.) senior guard Jolene Fuzesy isn't ready for her college career to be over just yet. Fuzesy's final chapter will be played out in Jackson, Tenn. at the 2008 NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship which tips off on Wednesday, March 19, at the Oman Arena. The Fighting Saint makes her fourth consecutive trip and schools fifth, to the national tournament and will meet Westmont (Calif.) at 1:45 p.m. (CT) on opening day.

Fuzesy enters the tournament as the most celebrated player in Carroll College women's basketball history. The standout guard has rewritten the record books while becoming the first female player at Carroll to break the 2,000 point barrier. Add that to her nearly 500 rebounds, 200 assists, two-time honorable mention All-America picks, her current spot as leader in the nation in both three-point and free throw percentages and Saints fans have definitely had something to cheer about during her brilliant career.

When asked, the senior says she wants to be thought of for more then just the numbers and milestones. Fuzesy says she hopes fans remember her for always having fun on the court. The past four years have awarded Fuzesy to grow as a player and person. She immediately impacted the program as a freshman and bought into the system set fourth by head coach Shawn Nelson.

"At Carroll I've developed much better as a player in all parts of my game. As a freshman, I jumped right in and had to learn the fast demands," said Fuzesy. "The coaches made me a better player."

Fuzesy who grew up in Malta, Montana, participated in basketball, volleyball, swimming and track. She was never the fastest or most athletic but always had the drive to succeed. A three-time All-Frontier pick, she was the league's tournament MVP last season. Fuzesy's accolades are numerous and so are the hours she spends in the gym. Fuzesy and her teammates spent the last four summers on the Carroll College campus working on skills and preparing for the year ahead.

"The commitment level of all the girls is very impressive," said Fuzesy. "We've always been a respectful group and I am honored to be part of such a classy program."

Fuzesy, who is studying community health education, has one semester left and will graduate this winter. She has plans to work at Century 21 Real Estate in Helena, Mont. beginning in April. While this chapter draws to the end the book is far from over.

Follow Fuzesy and the Carroll College Saints in the 28th Annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship by visiting www.naia.org. To learn more about Fuzesy and Carroll College visit www.carroll.edu.